End closure assemblies for containers and improved closing rings therefor

ABSTRACT

End closure assemblies for sealing drums and containers include an inner seal for containing fluid pressure acting in the drum or shipping container which is adhesively set or connected between the rounded bead about the end opening of the drum and the mating contoured flange on an end closure for the drum, and an outer seal of heat shrinkable material adhesively affixed about the rounded end of the drum and its mating end closure and operative to set the inner seal in assembled position when heated and cooled, the inner seal preferably embodying means for trapping pressure fluid acting in the drum. Additionally, improved lighter gauge closure rings for use about said end closure assemblies where the fluid pressures acting in the drum exceeds the range that can be safely contained by the heat shrinkable outer seal materials, the improved closure rings and outer seal providing better frictional engagement between the coacting surfaces of the closure ring and the outer seal in assembled position than the metal on metal seals of the prior art devices. The closure rings disclosed are lengths of relatively light gauge material and will include overlapping sections of varying lengths and either means to adhesively hold the closure rings in assembled position and/or means to lock the closure ring in assembled position. These improved closure rings may be utilized in end closure assemblies of the prior art type or in end closure assemblies having an inner seal in accordance with the present disclosure.

United States Patent [191 Kane [4 1 Sept. 23, 1975 END CLOSUREASSEMBLIES FOR CONTAINERS AND IMPROVED CLOSING RINGS THEREFOR [75]Inventor: James T. Kane, Westfield, NJ.

[73] Assignee: Rings for Drums, Inc., NJ.

[22] Filed: Mar. 25, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 454,386

[52] U.S. Cl. 292/256.67 [51] Int. Cl. E05C 19/18 [58] Field of Search24/16 RB, 17 B, 17 R;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,603,382 7/1952 Kojan292/256.67 2,801,764 8/1957 Russell et al 292/256.67

Primary Examiner-Richard E. Moore Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Daniel H.Bobis [57] ABSTRACT End closure assemblies for sealing drums andcontainers include an inner seal for containing fluid pressure acting inthe drum or shipping container which is adhesively set or connectedbetween the rounded bead about the end opening of the drum and themating contoured flange on an end closure for the drum, and an outerseal of heat shrinkable material adhesively affixed about the roundedend of the drum and its mating end closure and operative to set theinner seal in assembled position when heated and cooled, the innerseal'preferably embodying means for trapping pressure fluid acting inthe drum.

Additionally, improved lighter gauge closure rings for use about saidend closure assemblies where the fluid pressures acting in the drumexceeds the range that can be safely contained by the heat shrinkableouter seal materials, the improved closure rings and outer sealproviding better frictional engagement between the coacting surfaces ofthe closure ring and the outer seal in assembled position than the metalon metal seals of the prior art devices.

The closure rings disclosed are lengths of'relatively light gaugematerial and will include overlapping sections of varying lengths andeither means to adhesively hold the closure rings in assembled positionand/or means to lock the closure ring in assembled position. Theseimproved closure rings may be utilized in end closure assemblies of theprior art type or in end closure assemblies having an inner seal inaccordance with the present disclosure.

15 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 1 of 33,907,349

US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 2 of3 3,907,349

FIGJ

US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 3 Of3 3,907,349

FIG. I4-

FIG.

217d 2l7a.

225a. I6b

FIG. l5

FlG. l8

FIG. l7

END CLOSURE ASSEMBLIES FOR CONTAINERS AND IMPROVED CLOSING RINGSTHEREFOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally tometal, fiber and the like shipping and storage drums and containers,transformer cases, etc., having at least one end closure assemblysecurely connected to the container wherein the end closure assembly orassemblies, as the case may be, for such drums or containers arerequired by law to meet certain drop and hydrostatic tests to insure thesafety of the container and its contents during storage, shipment or useand more particularly to an improve end closure assembly for such drumsor containers designed to meet all such required tests but adapted morespecifically for present day production line speeds.

The methods and means for closing metal and fiber shipping and storagecontainers have not been substantially improved in over 40 years and arebeing found increasingly unsatisfactory for todays more dangerouscommodities.

The known prior art end closure assemblies for drums, generally includea steel closure ring which clamps a compressible gasket; made typicallyof; sponge rubber, tubular neoprene, solid plastic materials orcellulose wadding, between the rounded end of the container and amatching annular peripheral member of flange on the end closure for thecontainer such as is shown in US. Pat. Nos. 2,968,508; 2,447,825; and2,226,396.

In order for these prior art closures to be effective, the compressiblegasket must be compressed into place as the closure ring is clamped inassembled position about the end closure elements for a given container.

End closure assemblies utilizing these prior art closure rings which aregenerally V-shaped or semicircular in cross-section have been found tohave a number of important shortcomings in view of the tests requiredunder the existing law. These may be broadly classified into problemsrelating to the compressible gasket materials and problems relating tothe closure rings.

For example, it is well known that gasket material is effective overonly a portion of the total recovery of the gasket material to sizeafter it has been compressed. Thus, sponge gaskets are effective for amaximum recovery of about an eighth of an inch and harder gaskets suchas solid neoprene for an even lesser amount.

in prior art end closure assemblies for containers to prevent leakageafter fluid pressure is exerted on such end closure assemblies eitherduring tests or during conditions which cause an increase in pressure inthe containers, it is necessary for the gasket material to recoversufficiently during such periods so as to continue to exert someresidual sealing action between the end curl of the drum and the matingannular flange on the end closure for the drum.

Thus, if the end closure assembly is expanded due to fluid pressureacting within the container for any reason and it lifts the end closureat any point beyond this factor of partial recovery for the givencompressed gasket leakage will result and security of the container willbe impaired.

To further impair or limit this recovery function of the compressedgasket material, it is known that the compressed gasket materials of theprior art closures will take a set when held compressed for a longperiod of time. In order to meet this problem it is necessary to tightenthe closure ring from time to time beyond the initial settings in orderto maintain compliance with the tests required by the law. As apractical matter this usually is not done. Thus, a dangerous conditionis established and allowed to continue with the passage of time.

Still, further, it is known that the speed with which compressed gasketmaterials recover is not instantaneous but is comparatively sluggish.Thus, when an end closure is lifted or separated from the rounded end ofthe container rapidly as by hydrostatic pressure applied by tests or byinternal pressure caused by shock in shipment, leakage occurs during therecovery time required for the gasket material to recover or expand toeffect sealing once again.

And last, pressure exerted by the end closure assembly on the gasketmaterial has an equal force or pressure reaction being exerted by thegasket on the associated elements of the end closure assembly which iscontinually acting to lift the cover or end closure after the same isassembled to the drum or container. Thus, when hydrostatic pressuretests are made or internal pressure is developed in the container due tointernal generation of pressure from chemical reaction of the material,from dents, or from thermal expansion, the force exerted by thecompressed gasket material is acting in the same direction as theinternal pressure and helps to overcome the restraint exerted by theclosure ring. The compressible gasket thus tends to aid and abet otherforces and pressures which cause leakage of the end closure assembly.

The prior art closure rings have met the above problems of thecompressible gasket material in the conventional end closure assembliesby providing heavier and thicker gauge rings. For regulated products,that is dangerous materials, not only is a heavy 12 gauge steel closurering used but additionally heavy forged lugs are applied which must beare welded by hand to these closure rings to position them for receiptof a heavy and expensive locking bolt. In this regard, reference is madeto Interstate Commerce Commission Regulation 17H and Department ofTransportation Regulations and the abovementioned prior art patents.

The majority of these commercially available closure rings used in theprior art end closure assemblies are generally transversely split sothat such rings can be assembled about an end closure assembly in whichposition the ends of the closure ring formed by the transverse splitapproach each other in butt type fashion. Due to variations in gasketmaterial used in prior are end closure assemblies, variations in theamount of recovery afforded by each particular gasket material, andvariations in the bead or end curl about the opening of the drum orcontainer, such prior art closure rings must be dimensioned in contourand length so that the butting ends will not be brought into engagementwith each other during assembly. To pass the required tests the endclosure assembly for a given drum must be carefully fitted with a ringhaving a gap between the butted ends in a range between /8 inch to inch.A larger gap will cause the end closure assembly to fail during test orusage because the cover or end closure will crease at the point of gapon the closure ring and leakage will result. Thus, each manufacturersparticular combination of drum bead or end curl, gasket material, matingcover and closure ring must be fitted very exactly both in contour andlength to provide end closure assemblies in accordance with the knownprior art devices which meet the exacting requirements of the applicableregulations of the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Department ofTransportation.

Although the manufacturers of drums or containers with such prior artend closure assemblied take great pains to accomplish this result, inpractice, manufacturers customers, that is, the fillers of the storagedrums and shipping containers remove covers and rings and stack themindiscriminately. Thus, today there is no assurance and generally noeffort made to match the rings to the mating covers and drums becausethis requires time, attention and effort. While this might have beendone very satisfactorily at production line speeds prevalent many yearsago for which such closure rings were designed, todays high speedproduction lines do not permit or allow for the necessary time requiredto properly assemble the optimum combinations of elements for each endcover assembly.

It is commonplace that the drums of one manufacturer are regularlyassembled with closure rings intended for another manufacturers drums sothat even though each manufacturer may have taken painstaking care toproduce drums with end closure assemblies thereon designed to pass theprescribed tests for dangerous materials required by law, such dangerousmaterials are in actual fact regularly shipped in containers that wouldnot pass the required tests and present a continuing and even dangeroushazard to property and to persons who come in contact with suchcontainers.

For the same reasons given above, compounded, reconditioners of steeland fiber containers are constantly under fire from the US. GovernmentAgencies such as the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Departmentof Transportation for the failure of their reconditioned containers anddrums to meet test requirements particularly in the case of dangerousproducts.

Further, the heavy forged lugs are disposed on the adjacent butted' endsof the prior art closure rings. One is drilled and the other is tappedfor a heavy inch threaded bolt. To allow play for starting the threadedbolt the drilled lug will be provided with an oversized hole. Tocompensate for this extra clearance a jam nut is provided to bring thebolt into tight engagement therewith. In order to expedite assembly thebolt will be made longer to facilitate threading the same into assembledposition.

However, the oversized threaded lug reduces rigidity of the end closureassembly and the over-length bolt is a hazard to personnel because ofserious accidents which result due to the catching thereon of gloves andtrousers of the workers filling and assembling such containers.

Additionally, the 78 inch bolt prescribed has a hex head to which powertools are applied. In order to utilize such tools suitable clearancemust be provided. This results in the lugs being designed so that thebolt receiving eyes on the lugs are far enough away from the drum inassembled position to provide the necessary clearance for the powertools. To prevent bending of the closure ring during drop tests, it wasdesirable to have the bolt as close to the ring and the drum aspossible.

All of this structure, i.e., the heavy gauge steel used for the closurerings; heavy forged lugs are welded by hand thereto; the drilled andtapped bolt receiving openings on the lugs and the heavy bolt andlocknut result in a cumbersome heavy expensive uneconomical closurering. Additionally, starting of the thread, detaining the locknut as thebolt is tightened into the threaded lug; and tightening of the lock nutare laborconsuming operations which often are not performed properly attodays production line speeds so that improper assembly results andunsafe containers are used for storing and shipping of many dangerousproducts.

Thus, end closure assemblies for storage and shipping containers whichinclude, a compressible gasket and a closure ring formed to causecompression of the gasket, perform unsatisfactorily for the dangerousproducts shipped in such drums and containers today because they are notcapable of being assembled properly at todays production line speeds;are generally not interchangeable on end closure assemblies for shippingand storage containers of other manufacturers; require retightening whensuch end closure assemblies are used over extended periods of time; areeffective only for a portion of the recovery of the compressible gasket;and require heavy gauge steel special fitted closure rings that areexpensive to manufacture if the end closure is to meet the requirementsof the law.

End closure assemblies for drums and containers in accordance with thepresent invention overcome these shortcomings of the prior art devicesby altering the structure of the end closure assembly to eliminate theuse of a compression gasket means to effect sealing and utilizing inplace thereof an inner seal between the bead or end curl of thecontainer and the mating flange of the cover or end closure for thecontainer designed to contain or trap fluid pressure in the containerand to be adhesively affixed in assembled position by action of an outerseal which may be either an adhesively attached heat shrinkable plasticmaterial alone; material together with a specially designed closurering; or just one of the specially designed closure rings.

The specially designed closure rings are of relatively light gaugematerial and include overlapping ends, the over-lapping ends extendingmore or less depending on whether a specially designed locking assemblyis utilized with the closure ring or not.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus, the present invention covers an improvedend closure assembly for a container including, means forming acontoured end about the opening for said container, an end closuredisposed to close said opening and having an annular flange contoured tomate with the contoured end of the container, an inner gasket meansadhesively connected between the mating surfaces of the contoured end ofthe container and the inner wall of the contoured flange; said innergasket means designed to form a chamber in assembled position having anannular opening in communication with the inside of the container, andheat shrinkable means adhesively connected about the end closureassembly adapted when heated and cooled to set the inner seal and totightly seal the end closure assembly about the contoured end of thecontainer.

Alternatively, the combination of an improved closure assembly as abovedefined wherein the closure ring is of the overlapping type.

The present invention also covers an improved overlapping closure ringfor use in an end closure assembly as above defined having at least fiveannularly and concentric angled sections thereon forming a substantiallyhemi-hexagonal shape in cross-section, the inner most annular sectionson opposite sides of said hemihexagonal closure ring being proportionedso that when the ring is in assembled position these inner annularsections may be crimped beyond the horizontal either manually orautomatically in machines designed therefor.

Other important objects and advantageous features of my invention willbe apparent from the following description wherein for purposes ofillustration several specific embodiments of the invention are describedand are shown in detail in the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a fragment of a shipping container showingan end closure assembly in accordance with the present invention inassembled position on the drum and including one form of overlappingsplit type closure ring.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 22 of FIG. 1showing a portion of the container and the end closure assembly thereon.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of a fragment of the closure ring shownin FIG. 1 showing the associated lug members and threaded means inassembled position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the overlapping section of the closurering shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a segment of the inner seal for the endclosure assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the end closure assemblyshown in FIG. 1 without a closure ring.

FIG. 7 is-an exploded partial perspective view of a fragment of one endof a shipping container, a tubular type inner seal with adhesivethereon, and the main annular portion of the end closure assembly forthe shipping container.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a segment of the inner seal shown in FIG. 7 withadhesive means thereon.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an end closure assembly inaccordance with the invention utilizing the inner seal shown in FIG. 8,an outer seal of heat shrinkable plastic material and a closure ringcrimp in assembled position.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the end closure assemblyshown in FIG. 9 subjected to sudden high internal pressure from thecontainer.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation ofa fragment ofa shipping container showinganother form of end closure assembly in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line l212 of FIG.11 showing a portion of the container and the end closure assemblythereon.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the closure ring utilized in the endclosure assembly shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a side elevation ofa fragment ofa shipping container showingstill another form of end closure assembly in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 15-15 of FIG.14 showing a portion of the container and the end closure assemblythereon.

FIGS. 16a and 16!) are a perspective view of the closure ring and a sideelevational view of the locking unit used in the end closure assemblyshown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 12 showing the lockingmeans in open position.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 12 showing the lockingmeans in closed or locked position.

Referring to FIGS. I to 5 and FIG. 6 of the drawings, a container ordrum generally designated 10 with an end closure or cover 11 isillustrated to show alternate forms of end closure assemblies inaccordance with the present invention. For convenience, an end closureassembly with a closure ring will be described first by reference toFIGS. 1 to 5 and FIG. 6 illustrates the end closure assembly with theclosure ring removed.

The container 10 may be any conventional type container such as a steelalloy or fiber container that will form a material receiving chambergenerally designated 12 which will have at least one end opening as at13. Containers or drums of this type are well knwon and easilypurchaseable on the open market.

The container or drum 10 is provided with an annular bead or contouredsection as at 14 which is formed about the end opening 13 of thematerial receiving chamber 12.

The cover or end closure 11 is received in the opening 13 of thematerial receiving chamber 12 and includes, a central portion 15 and anannular contoured flange 16 connected about the periphery of the centralportion 15. The annular flange in cross-section will also have acontoured shape and will be sized to permit the end closure or cover 11to overlie and mate with the annular bead 14 of the container inassembled position as is clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings.

Between the annular bead l4 and the annular flange 16 an inner seal 17is provided, a fragment of which is shown at FIG. 5 of the drawings.

The inner seal 17 consists of a V-type gasket disposed in assembledposition so that the opening for the V faces the interior of thecontainer. This gasket will be made of any suitable chemically inertmaterial adapted to resist any corrosive or erosive action by thematerial contained in the chamber 12 of the container 10. Inner seal 17may be made of plastic materials such as polyfluorocarbon resins,polyvinylchloride and polypropylene and such materials for thesepurposesare easily purchaseable on the open market.

In assembled position the V-shaped inner seal will be adhesively affixedas at 17a and 17b to the annular bead l4 and to the inner wall of theannular flange 17 of the cover member 11. The adhesive selected will ofcourse also be resistant to chemical action.

When the end closure 11 is brought into fluid tight engagement with theannular bead 14, the inner seal will act to prevent leakage from thematerial receiving chamber 12 formed in the shipping container 10because of the adhere connection and because of the V- type gasket fromwhich the inner seal is formed which acts to trap or relieve fluidpressure acting in the chamber 12 of the container 10.

The end closure or cover 11 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 of the drawingsis of the type known as a fully removable drum head. It will beunderstood that this type cover or end closure may have an accessopening departing from the scope of the present invention.

The end closure or cover 11 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is held in engagementwith the open end 13 of the shipping container by an outer sealing tape19 and a closure ring 20 which are disposed concentric to each other.The other sealing tape 19 being disposed in circumferential engagementwith the annular bead l4 and annular flange 16 and the closure ring inturn being in circumferential engagement with the outer sealing tape onthe side thereof remote from the annular bead l4 and annular flange 16as is clearly shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings. a a

The outer seal 19 will be made of high tensile strength plastic materialsuch as polyfluorocarbon resin, polyvinylchloride and polypropylene andin the case of the outer sealing tape the material will be heatshrinkable, that is, material that shrinks when heated and cooled. Themain direction of shrinking in accordance with the present inventionbeing twice as much in its width as in the length of the materialselected so that in assembled position the shrinkage of the outersealing tape will cause the end closure or cover 11 to be pulled downtightly and thus the inner seal will be adhesively seated or connectedin assembled position to the annular bead 14 and the inner wall of theannular flange 16. The degree of heating required will be that of aconventional gas burner flame operating in a range between 120-200F.Application of heat will be continued for about 3 to minutes to bringthe material up to temperature and then the end closure assembly can bepermitted to be air cooled or can be cooled by any suitable techniquesuch as quenching with water.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any heating andcooling technique applicable to produce the desired shrinking of theheat shrinkable outer sealing material may be utilized without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

The heat shrinkable outer sealing tape 19 will be adhered to the outersurface of the drum, the annular bead 14, the annular flange 16 by anysuitable adhesive which will resist chemical action and hold the outersealing tape in assembled position to permit the heating and coolingthereof for achieving the desired seating of the V-shaped inner gasketto provide the FIG. 6 form of end closure assembly in accordance withthe present invention.

This form of end closure is adapted to seal against fluid pressuresacting in the chamber 12 of the container in a range between 3-5P.S.I.G.

Additionally, the outer heat shrinkable tapes or seals 17 may bereinforced with glass filaments or other types of fibers to increase thetensile strength of these materials.

Where the pressure however exceed the indicated range of 35 P.S.I.G.then it is necessary to reinforce the end closure assembly with asuitable closure ring which can be easily applied to the drum one formof which will now be described.

CLOSURE RING WITH OVERLAPPING ENDS AND LOCKING MEANS Closure ring 20 istransversely split circumferential element having a main circumferentialsection 21 and an overlapping section 22 which is spot-welded to one endof the main section 21 so that in assembled position the overlappingsection 22 will overlie the opposite or remote end 23 of the maincircumferential section 21 as is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 of thedrawings.

The overlapping section 22 may be a reformed part of the ring itselfthat is it may be a continuous section of the ring offset from the maincircumferential section 21.

The circumstance of the closure ring 20 will be a function of thecircumference of the end closure assembly of which it is part. Since theoverlapping section 22 has a substantial length sufficient distance canbe allowed between the end 24 of the main section 21 to which theoverlapping section 22 is connected and the opposite end 23 to avoidinterference therebetween when the closure ring is locked into itsassembled position. i

1 In order to lock or clamp the closure ring 20 into its assembledposition, a first locking l'ug 25 is formed integral with or connectedas by welding to the end of the overlapping section remote from the endconnected to or continuous with the main section 21 and a second lockinglug 26' is connected by spot-welding medially along the main section 21a predetermined space distwice from the end 23 to permit the lockinglugs to be operatively associated as by bolting the lugs together with alocking bolt generally designated 27 and more fully described below.

FIGS. 1,2 and 3 showthat the locking lugs 25 and 26 have a convolutedS-shape and will depend from the locking ring 20 substantially parallelto the longitudinal line of the container 10 for reasons which are wellknown to those skilled in the art.

At the end of the locking lugs remote from the ring there is formed abolt' receiving eye respectively at 29 on the locking lug 25 and 30 onthe locking lug 26. The bolt receiving eye 29 and 30 will havesubstantially identical diameters. However receiving eye 30 will have aninsert 31 fixedly mounted therein having a threaded bore 32therethrough.

The locking bolt 27 is shaped to fit into the bolt receiving eye 29 andto engage the threaded bore 32 in the insert 31 so that when the lockingbolt is threaded into the threaded bore 32 it will draw the locking lug25 and 26 together and thus reduce the circumferential length of theclosure ring and thus lock it into assembled position.

As is shown in FIG. 3, the locking bolt includes a locking head 35 whichis bored as at 36 to receive a hex head wrench for tightening andloosening the locking bolt duringassembly and disassembly of the closurering 20. The head 35 is provided with a shoulder 37 which will engageone edge of the locking lug 25 when the shank portion 38 is fitted intothe bolt receiving eye 29. The shank 38 is provided with a groove 39 inwhich an epoxy or other adhesive material will be inserted to help lockthe shank portion 38 in assembled position. Projecting from'the shankportion 38 in alignment with the threaded bore 32 is an elongatedthreaded section 40 sized and threaded to fit the threaded bore 32. Theelongated section 40 includes, an extension section 41 as shown in FIG.3 of the drawings. The extended section 41 is separated from thethreaded section 40 by a groove as at 42 so that the extended section 41may be snapped off or removed easily after the locking bolt 27 is inassembled position. The extension 41 will facilitate assembly of thelocking bolt in the bolt receiving eyes 29 and 30 of the respectinglocking lugs 25 and 26 and the length of the bolt with the extensionwill permit assembly of the closure ring with the bolt for shipment tothe customer.

By further reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, it will be noted that theclosure ring 20 has five interrelated annular sections which incross-section appear hemihexagonal in design. This annular designobviously differs from the round contoured ring which is known in theprior art. Additionally, however, it differs from the annular contouredring in the prior art in that such rings have three sides whereas thosedisclosed herein have five sides.

In this five sided ring more fully described below, the two mostradially inward annularsection ofthis five sided ring ae so proportionedthat when the ring has been closed in place the respective short innerannular section will be angled below or inwardly of planes perpendicularto the longitudinal line of the container and therefore when forces actinstantaneously orotherwise to force open the end closure assembly theforces brought to bear on the respective inner annular segments of theclosure ring cause the closure ring to resist further lifting of thecover and thus the closure ring acts to hold the adhesively connectedinner seal 17 in assembled position.

Thus, closure ring 20 is shown to include, a center section 45, spacedside sections as at 46 and 47 con-' nected at one edge to opposite sidesof the center section 45, a first clamping section 48 and a secondclamping section 49 each respectively connected to the edge or side ofthe associated side section remote from the center section 45.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show the clamping ring in assembled position and showthat the respective clamping sections 48 and 49 are so sized and sopositioned after they are crimped during assembly that they lie inwardlyof parallel and spaced planes transverse or perpendicular to thelongitudinal line of the container 10.

FIG. 4 shows that the overlapping section 22 has projecting ears at 50and 51 with corresponding slots 52 and 53. The projecting ears can bebent into engagement with the cover and outer wall of the container andthus act in addition to the locking lugs 25 and 26 to strengthen andlock the closure ring at the transverse slit. Slots 52 and 53 providemeans for inserting a screwdriver therethrough to facilitate releasingthe closure ring from the end closure assembly when the locking bolt 27opens or separates the closure ring from its assembled position on theend closure assembly for the container 10.

ASSEMBLY or END CLOSURE In the form of the invention above described,the assembly of the end closure elements is relatively simple. In thatthe inner seal member 17 can be adhesively connected to the inner wallof the annular flange 16 of the end cover before it is connected to theend closure assembly for the container 10.

When it is desired toplace the endclosure 11 into position to seal theend opening 13 of the container 10, a suitable adhesive will. be appliedeither to the inner seal 17 or to the annular bead or contoured section14 and the end closure 11 is then set into position as shown in FIGS. 1and 2 of the drawings.

Depending on the pressures-that will be generated in the container, theend closure may be sealed solely by the circumferentially disposed heatshrinkable tape or sea] 19 which is wound about the main flange l6 andthe annular head 14 until it overlaps a substantial amount and is thenheated and cooled and by shrinkage at least twice more in width then inlength to exert the necessary pressure to set the inner seal 17 inassembled OPERATION OF THE END CLOSURE ASSEMBLY When fluid pressureswithin the drum from whatever cause act against the end closureassembly, it will tend to raise the end'closure 11 from the annular bead14. When this occurs the inner seal 17 and the heat shrinkable tapealone or in collaboration with .the closure ring act to prevent leakagefrom the chamber 12 formed in the inner container 10.

This occurs because the inner seal receives the fluid pressure in sidethe trap or chamber 18 in communication with the open end of theV-shaped inner seal 17. This pressure will press the inner seal againstthe inner wall of the mating flange 16 on one side and the annular bead14 on the other side and will set the adhesive connecting the inner sealin assembled position even more firmly, Similarly, the heat shrinkableouter tape or seal 19 which is adhesively connected in assembledposition being of high tensile strength material and of sufficientthickness will tend to hold the end cover and the drum in assembledposition thus resisting the force of the fluid pressure acting in theinner seal 17. Further, however, if a hemi-hexagonal closure ring asabove described forms part of the end closure assembly the forces willtend to spread the spaced annular side pieces 46 and 47 away from eachother. However, this action in turn will bring pressure to bear on theinner clamping sections 48 and 49 which due to their crimped positioninwardly of the spaced parallel planes perpendicular or normal to thelongitudinal line of the container will also resist further lifting ofthe end closure 11 from its assembled position on the cover.

In a severe case of impending rupture as in a drop test the outersealing tape 19 and the closure ring- 20 will act to hold the adhesivelyconnected inner seal 17 in assembled position because this arrangementhas greater frictional engagement then is obtainable by the knowncommercially available prior art end closure assemblies in which theclosure ring is in engagement with the metal cover and metal containeror drum. The coefficient of friction for the metal closure ring 20 andthe outer heat shrinkable tape or seal 19 is found to be in the order of0.5 whereas that of metal on metal used in the prior art devices is0.17. This increased coefficient of friction enhances the grip of theclosure ring 20 in the end closure assemblies of the present inventionand provides improved security therefore.

Thus, there is disclosed an end closure assembly hav ing a combinationof an inner V-shaped adhesively connected sealing material 17, an outerheat shrinkable sealing tape 19 and a specially shaped ring which iseffe ctive over a far greater distance of impending rupture then therecovery capacity of conventional compressible gaskets of the presentknown prior art end closure assemblies. The result is achieved byreplacing the sealing arrangement of the prior art devices; which dependon the elasticity of the compressed sealing gasket; with an inner sealthat is adhesively affixed and yields when fluid pressure is exerted butcontains such fluid pressure within the seal.

ANOTHER FORM OF INNER SEAL FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10 show another form ofinner seal which can be utilized in the form of the invention shown inFIGS. 1 to 5 and FIG. 6 as above described.

This alternate inner seal generally designated 17a is a thin walledtubular plastic-gasket which will be chemically inert and resistance toany corrosive or erosive effect of the materials which may be containedin the drum. It will have an approximate thickness of 6 mils and asufficiently large diameter so that in assembled position it willperform the desired gasketed function between the annular bead 14a aboutthe end opening of the drum 10a and the annular flange 16a of the endcover 11a when no hydrostatic pressure is acting in the container asshown at FIG. 9 of the drawings and conversely will permit the cover toexpand and form a chamber or trap for fluid under pressure from theinside of the container without rupturing the seal between the annularbead 14a and the annular flange 16a when subjected to such pressure.

The tubular element thus can have a diameter in range from a quarterinch to a half inch depending on the size of the annular bead of a givendrum and the matching annular flange of its associated end cover.

In order to accomplish this desired result, the tubular inner seal 17ais adhesively affixed to the inner wall of the annular flange 16a andthe surface of the annular bead 14a. Thus in assembly, the tubular innerseal 17a will be provided with a continuous bead of an adhesive materialalong one outer surface as shown at 17b and on the diametricallyopposite outer surface a second continuous bead of adhesive will beaffixed as shown at 170. These adhesive beads will of course be made ofa material which is chemically inert and will resist any corrosiveeffects from the materials which are contained in the drum 10a. Thecontinuous head of adhesive 17a will permit the tubular inner seal 17ato be first adhesively affixed to the inner wall of the annular flange16a and when the annular flange 16a is assembled to its mating positionwith the annular bead 14a of the drum the pressure sensitive adhesivebead 170 at the diametrically opposite side will adhere to the annularbead of the drum so that in assembled position the tubular element willbe flattened between these associated mating elements as is clearlyshown in FIG. 9 of the drawings.

FIG. 9 further shows that the end closure assembly will include eitherthe outer seal of heat shrinkable adhesively connected material 21aand/or an associated clamping ring a.

When the end closure assembly is subjected to internal pressure,hydrostatic tests or the cover is deformed due to drop tests or roughhandling which would cause the cover to lift and thus move the annularflange 16a out of mating position with the annular bead 14a, that thetubular inner seal will not separate therefrom because of the adhesiveholding it in assembled position but will invert on itself as shown inFIG. 10 to form a trap or chamber as at 17d which will be as strong asthe V-packing because it presents double the thickness by reason of theinversion caused by the pressure fluid acting in the chamber 17d. Atubular inner seal of this type has some advantages over the V-typeinner seal above described in that this tubing is cheaper to make and toapply then the V-type inner seal.

Further, this construction is completely distinguishable from theelastic type seals of the prior art which are thick walled tubulargaskets that depend for their sealing effectiveness on elasticproperties and not on the deformation of the inner seal foraccomplishing the desired sealing effect under conditions which causehigh pressures to act either momentarily or otherwise in the container.

OVERLAPPED AND ADHERED CLOSURE RING FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 show anotherform of the present invention in which an alternate closure ring isprovided which is much thinner and much longer so that the closure ringcan be applied by encirclement of the end closure elements of the endclosure assembly for the drum and can be adhesively affixed to itself tohold the ring in its assembled position.

Thus, FIGS. 11 and 12 show a drum or container generally designated withan end closure 111. The container 110 will be any conventional type drumor container made of metal or fiber that forms a material receivingchamber generally designated 112 having at least one end opening as at113. Containers of this type as in the case of the form of the inventionshown at FIGS. 1 to 6 of the drawings are well known and easilypurchaseable on the open market and hence are not more fully describedherein.

The container 110 is provided with an annular bead or contoured sectionas at 114 which is formed about the end opening 113 of the materialreceiving chamber 112.

The cover or end closure 111 is received in the opening 113 of thematerial receiving chamber 112 and includes a central portion 115 and anannular flange 116 connected about the periphery of the central portion115. The annular flange in cross-section will also have a contouredshape and will be sized to permit the end closure or cover 111 tooverlie and mate with the annular bead 114 of the container in assembledposition as is clearly shown at FIGS. 11 and 12 of the drawings.

Between the annular bead 114 and annular flange 116 on inner seal 117 isprovided.

The inner seal 117 illustrated is the type shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 of thedrawings and above described. It will be understood however that theinner seal may be a V-type inner seal such as is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5of the drawings and above described. It will understood by those skilledin the art that the selection of one or other of these seals will dependon the particular materials which are to be contained and sealed in thedrum and the conditions which have to be met to maintain the security ofthe end closure assembly.

When the end closure 111 is brought into fluid tight engagement with theannular bead 114 the inner seal will be set in position and whenassembled as shown in FIG. 12 will act to prevent leakage or rupture dueto hydrostatic pressure from the material or other causes acting in thecontainer 110 during tests, storage or shipment of the container.

The annular flange 116 of end cover 111 is held in engagement with theannular bead 114 of the shipping container 110 by an outer sealing tape119 and a closure. ring 120 which are diposed concentric to each other.

The outer sealing tape will be made of a heat shrinkable material whichis adhesively coated or impregnated or which forms a self-adhesive andwill be disposed in circumferential engagement with the annular flange116 and the annular bead 114 when the cover 111 is set into position inthe opening 113 and the outer sealing tape being relatively thin may bewound until it overlaps substantially starting end of the tape.

The outer sealing tape 119 as in the case of the form of the inventionat FIGS. 1 to 6 above described will be made ofa high tensile strengthshrinkable plastic material and thus when heated and cooled will causethe annular flange 116 of the end closure or cover 111 to be pulled downtightly into mating position on the annular bead 114 of the container ordrum 110 and thus flattend and adhesively seat the inner seal 117 inassembled position as is shown in FIG. 12 of the drawings.

Closure ring 120 as shown in FIG. 13 is an elongated member which willbe approximately half the thickness of the conventional prior closurering. This construction gives this type of closure ring considerablepliability so that it can be connected about the outer sealing tape byencircling the end closure elements and the outer sealing tape 119 atleast twice or more times and this is facilitated by the semi-circularconstruction of this element which permits this overlapping to occuruniformly and additionally permits the outer ring of the closure ring tobe connected to the inner section of the closure ring by any suitablemeans such as a pressure sensitive adhesive which can be applied eitherto the inner wall of the outer lap of the ring or to the outer surfaceof the adjacent inner lap of the ring which the outer lap will overlieas it is moved into assembled position.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other suitableconnecting means can be provided for holding this light pliable closurering in assembled position.

It will at once be apparent that this method of closure is simple andmore expeditious than the conventional split ring bolted arrangement ashas been above described for the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 1to 5 of the drawings and similar types of closure rings in the prior artpatents referred to above.

This sealing means is thought to be better adapted for meeting theproduction line speeds and for providing an end closure assembly to meetprices intermediate those which can be met by and end closure assemblysimply having heat shrinkable adhesively connected plastic tape for onerange of lower pressures and the end closure assembly with the tape andclosure ring having lugs and a heavy bolt similar to those used in theprior art which meet the requirements for a range of higher pressures.

CLOSURE RING WITH OVERLAPPING ENDS AND ASSOCIATED LOCKING ELEMENT Thefurther extension of the end closure assembly with still another form ofclosure ring is illustrated at FIGS. 14 to 18 of the drawings.

Thus FIG. 14 shows a drum or container generally designated 210 with acover or end closure 211 contained in 210 may be a metal or fiber typedrum such drums are well known and easily purchaseable on the openmarket-similar to those described in the form of the invention shown atFIGS. 1 to 6 of the drawings and FIGS. 11 to 13 of the drawings.

The container or drum 210 will form a material receiving chamber at 212which will have at least one end opening as at 213. The container ordrum 210 is provided with an annular bead or contoured section as at 214which is formed about end opening 213 of the material receiving chamber212. The cover or end closure 211 is received in the end opening 213 andincludes a central portion 215 and an annular flange 216 connected aboutthe periphery of the central portion 215, the annular flange as shown incross-section will have a contoured shape and will be sized to permitthe end closure or cover 211 in assembled position overlie and mate withthe annular bead 214 of the container all of which is shown in FIGS. 14and 15 of the drawings.

Between the annular bead 214 and annular flange 216 an inner seal 217 isprovided which differs from those above described in that the inner sealcomprises a tubular member that has been slit longitudinally on one sideand then adhesively fixed to the inner wall of the annular flange 216 ofthe end closure 211 and to the annular bead 214 of the container 210 ina manner similar to that above described for the tubular element shownin FIGS. 7 to 10 of the drawings.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 15 the inner seal 217 is provided with adhesivemeans as at 217a for connecting one side of the inner seal to the innerwall of the annular flange 216 and 217b substantially opposite theadhesive means 217a for connecting the inner seal 217 to the annularbead 214 and the slit is positioned so that it faces the inside of thecontainer 210 to communicate with the chamber 212 and thus permitpressure fluid acting therein to pass to the chamber or trap 217d formedby the inner seal 217 when it is in assembled position.

The inner seal will be made of any suitable material which is chemicallyinert and will resist any erosive or corrosive effect that might occurdue to the materials contained in the chamber 212 of the container 210.Plastic materials such as those set forth for the form of the inventiondescribed in FIGS. 1 to 5 of the drawings are also suitable and are madein tubular form so that they can provide the gasket of the type abovedescribed. The adhesive selected will of course also be resistant tochemical action and such adhesives can also be purchased on the openmarket.

When the annular flange 216 of the end closure 211 is brought into fluidtight engagement with the annular bead 214 the inner seal will be set inposition and will act to prevent leakage from the material receivingchamber 212 formed in the shipping container 210. This is accomplishedby an outer sealing tape 219 and a closure ring 220 which are disposedconcentric to each other and the closure ring will be sealed or lockedin assembled position by a locking element as at 221 more fullydescribed below. I

The outer sealing tape 219 is a high tensile strength heat shrinkableplastic material which is adhesively coated or impregnated.Additionally, this tape will have a sufficient width to stretchsubstantially over the entire annular flange 216 the exposed portion ofthe annular bead 214 and a portion more or less of the outer wall of thecontainer 210 just below the annular bead 214 as is clearly shown inFIG. 15 of the drawings.

This outer seal 219 will first be applied in circumferential contactwith the annular flange 216 the annular bead 214 and the section of theouter surface of the drum 210 adjacent thereto until the ends of theouter seal 219 overlap each other by'a substantial amount at least fiveto ten inches and after the material is positioned it is heated andcooled and this will cause the material to shrink the main direction ofshrinking being twice as much in its width as in its length so that inassembled position the shrinkage of the outer sealing tape 219 willcause the annular flange 216 to be pulled down tightly onto the annularbead 214 and flatten therebetween the inner seal 217 as is shown in FIG.15 of the drawings.

Since the heat shrinkable outer sealing tape 219 includes adhesiveeither coated thereon or impregnated therein the outer heat shrinkablesealing tape will adhere in assembled position and this form of the endclosure will as in the form of the invention shown in FIG. 6 be adpatedto seal against predetermined pressures in a range between 3-5 P.S.I.G.

In order to strengthen the heat shrinkable outer seal materials whichare reinforced with glass filaments or other types of fibers may beutilized to increase the tensile strength of such outer sealingelements.

However, where the fluid pressures or hydrostatic pressures acting inthe container even those applied by tests or those which may arise fromthe materials in the container or from dents or other mishandlingaccidents to the container during storage or shipment thereof, exceedthe indicated range of 3-5 P.S.I.G. it is necessary to reinforce theouter seal 219 with a suitable closure ring as in the forms of theinvention shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, FIGS. 9 and 10 and FIGS. 11 and 12above described.

Thus, closure ring 220 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16a is an elongatedmember which is semi-circular in crosssection. It is pliable in that itis made of relatively light material and will have a lesser thicknessthan the conventional known prior art type of closure rings which havebeen above described and which is shown at FIGS. 1 to of the drawings.

The length of the elongated closure ring 220 will be such that it can beeasily wrapped circumferentially about the portion of the outer sealingtape 219 in engagement with the annular flange 216 and annular bead 214and in assembled position the ends will be brought into overlappingposition by approximately 5 to inches.

If desired these overlapping sections of the closure ring 2220 can betreated with a suitable adhesive to hold the closure ring in assembledposition until the locking clamp 221 is affixed and clamped in assembledposition to lock the closure ring 220 in the desired degree ofoverlapping relationship required for the particular end closureassembly on the container 210.

The locking or crimping element 221 is a relatively short member ofapproximately 5 to 10 inches and will be semicircular in cross-sectionsimilar to the shape of the closure ring 220 so that in assembledposition it can be brought into snug engagement with the outermost lapof the overlapping portions of the closure ring 220 as is shown in FIGS.14, 15 and 16b of the drawings. The locking or crimping element 221 willbe sufficiently pliable and will have a width such that it can be moldedor crimped either manually or automatically about and in engagement witha substantial section of the overlapping portions of the closure ring220 and this is illustrated by reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 17shows the locking or crimping element before it is clamped in positionand FIG. 18 shows the locking or crimping element 221 after it is lockedto hold the closure ring in assembled position.

FIG. 16 shows that the locking or crimping element 221 is provided witha pair of spaced ears as at 222a and 222b and 223a and 223k extendingrespectively opposite edges of the locking or crimping element. Theseears are respectively provided with tool receiving openings as at 224aand 2241) on the respective ears 222a and'22b and tool receivingopenings 225a and 2251) on the respective ears 223a and 223b, which willpermit the insertion of a tool such as a screwdriver into such openingsto undercrimp or unlock the crimping element after it has been locked inposition as shown in FIG. 18 of the drawings and thus permit the endclo- 5 sure assembly to be disassembled quite easily.

On reassembly, the new locking or crimping element will be utilized forreas sembling the end closure assembly for the container 210 as has beenabove described.

Thus, there has been disclosed an end closure arrangement consisting ofa combination of inner seal gaskets adhesively connected to the endclosure elements for the drum and outer heat shrinkable sealing agentadhesivelyconnected for sealing and setting the adhesively connectedseal and where required a shaped closure ring adapted to coact with suchcombination. This improved end closure assembly will be effective over afar greater range of impending rupture and the conventional prior artform of compressible gasket type end closure assemblies.

It will be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thespecific construction or arrangement of parts shown but such parts andarrangement may be widely modified by those skilled in the art withinthe invention as hereinafter defined in the claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An end closure assembly for a container forming a material receivingchamber with at least one end opening and a rounded section about saidend opening comprising:

a. an end closure for the container having an annular peripheral elementshaped for mating engagement with the rounded section of the container,

b. an inner seal adhesively connected between the rounded section of thecontainer and the annular peripheral element on the end closure, and

c. an outer sealing means of heat shrinkable material about thecontainer and the end closure in assembled position to;form a seal forthe end closure assembly by heating and cooling thereof for the requiredperiod of time to set the inner seal in assembled position.

2. An end closure assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein,

a. means are provided on the inner seal to form a fluid pressure trap inthe inner seal,

b. said inner seal having means providing communication between thefluid pressure trap therein and the material receiving chamber in thecontainer, and

c. said heat shrinkable outer sealing means adapted to shrink more inthe width than the length when heated and cooled to effect setting ofthe adhesively connected inner seal.

55 3. An end closure assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the innerseal is made of material from the group fluorocarbon resins andpolypropylenes.

4. An end closure assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the outer heatshrinkable material is made of material from the group fluorocarbonresins and filled fluorocarbon resins, and an adhesive on at least oneside of said heat shrinkable material.

5. An end closure assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the outer heatshrinkable seal is made of material from the group fluorocarbon resinsand filled fluorocarbon resins, and includes an adhesive on at least oneface.

6. An end closure assembly as claimed in claim 2 including a closurering disposed about said heat shrinkable material, and means for lockingsaid closure ring into assembled position to provide a fluid tight endclosure assembly.

7. An end closure assembly as claimed in claim 2 including,

a. a split closure ring means disposed about said heat shrinkablematerial,

b. said closure ring means including,

1. a main circumferential section,

2. means forming an overlapping section at one end of said closure ringmeans disposed to overlap the opposite end in assembled position,

c. and means for locking the closure ring in assem bled position to forma fluid tight end closure assembly.

8. An end closure assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein the means forlocking the closure ring means in assembled position includes,

a. a first lug connected to the overlapping means,

b. a second lug connected medially along the main circumferentialsection to permit operative connection thereof with the first lug, and

c. a member including threaded means disposed to connect the first andsecond lug to each other.

9. An end closure assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein,

a. the member having threaded means includes,

1. a hex head at one end,

2. a shank connected at one end to said hex head,

and

3. the threaded means is disposed at the end of the shank remote fromthe hex head,

4. said shank disposed to engage said first lug and said threaded meansto extend into said second lug,

5. groove means in said shank to receive an epoxy,

6. an extended threaded section continuous with the threaded means onthe member, and

7. means between the threaded means and the extended threaded section topermit the extended section to be separated from the threaded meansafter the closure ring is assembled.

10. An end closure assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein said closurering is hemi-hexagonal in crosssection and includes;

a. a center section,

b. spaced side sections connected to said center section,

c. a first clamping section and a second clamping section connectedrespectively to opposite side sections at points remote from the centersection;

d. said clamping sections crimped in assembled position,

e. and means for locking said closure ring means in assembled position.

11. An end closure assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein the means forlocking the closure ring means in assembled position includes,

a. a first lug connected to the overlapping means,

b. a second lug connected medially along the main circumferentialsection to permit operative connection with the first lug, and

c. a member having threaded means disposed to connect the first lug andsecond lug to each other.

12. An end closure assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein,

a. the member with threaded means thereon includes,

1. a hexagonal head and a shank continuous with said hexagonal head,

2; the threaded means is connected to the shank means on the side remotefrom its connection to the hexagonal head,

3. groove means in said shank to receive an epoxy,

4. and an extended threaded section on said threaded means,

5. and means between the threaded means and the extended threadedsection to permit the extended threaded section to be separated from thethreaded means after the closure ring is assembled.

13. An end closure assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein,

a. said overlapping means is disposed to overlap the opposite .end inassembled position at least more than once, and

b. the means for locking the closure ring in assembled position consistsof an adhesive connecting the overlapping section to the maincircumferential section.

14. An end closure assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein,

a. the means forming the overlapping section is relatively short, and

b. the locking means includes a member disposed to fit about theoverlapping portion of the ring and to be crimped in assembled position,

c. and perforated ears on said locking means to permit disassemblythereof for releasing the closure ring from the locked position.

15. A closing ring for use in an end closure assembly comprising,

a. a split circumferential element having a length sufficient to permitthe opposed ends to overlap each other,

b. an outer section of said circumferential element having a length topermit the outer section to overlap the inner section of thecircumferential element in assembled position at least one entire turn,and

c. an outer sealing means of heat shrinkable material having adhesivemeans on one face disposed to engagement with the split circumferentialelement of the end closure assembly to detachably connect theoverlapping section to the overlapped section of the circumferentialelement.

1. An end closure assembly for a container forming a material receivingchamber with at least one end opening and a rounded section about saidend opening comprising: a. an end closure for the container having anannular peripheral element shaped for mating engagement with the roundedsection of the container, b. an inner seal adhesively connected betweenthe rounded section of the container and the annular peripheral elementon the end closure, and c. an outer sealing means of heat shrinkablematerial about the container and the end closure in assembled positionto form a seal for the end closure assembly by heating and coolingthereof for the required period of time to set the inner seal inassembled position.
 2. means forming an overlapping section at one endof said closure ring means disposed to overlap the opposite end inassembled position, c. and means for locking the closure ring inassembled position to form a fluid tight end closure assembly.
 2. An endclosure assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein, a. means are provided onthe inner seal to form a fluid pressure trap in the inner seal, b. saidinner seal having means providing communication between the fluidpressure trap therein and the material receiving chamber in thecontainer, and c. said heat shrinkable outer sealing means adapted toshrink more in the width than the length when heaTed and cooled toeffect setting of the adhesively connected inner seal.
 2. the threadedmeans is connected to the shank means on the side remote from itsconnection to the hexagonal head,
 2. a shank connected at one end tosaid hex head, and
 3. the threaded means is disposed at the end of theshank remote from the hex head,
 3. groove means in said shank to receivean epoxy,
 3. An end closure assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein theinner seal is made of material from the group fluorocarbon resins andpolypropylenes.
 4. An end closure assembly as claimed in claim 2 whereinthe outer heat shrinkable material is made of material from the groupfluorocarbon resins and filled fluorocarbon resins, and an adhesive onat least one side of said heat shrinkable material.
 4. and an extendedthreaded section on said threaded mEans,
 4. said shank disposed toengage said first lug and said threaded means to extend into said secondlug,
 5. groove means in said shank to receive an epoxy,
 5. and meansbetween the threaded means and the extended threaded section to permitthe extended threaded section to be separated from the threaded meansafter the closure ring is assembled.
 5. An end closure assembly asclaimed in claim 2 wherein the outer heat shrinkable seal is made ofmaterial from the group fluorocarbon resins and filled fluorocarbonresins, and includes an adhesive on at least one face.
 6. An end closureassembly as claimed in claim 2 including a closure ring disposed aboutsaid heat shrinkable material, and means for locking said closure ringinto assembled position to provide a fluid tight end closure assembly.6. an extended threaded section continuous with the threaded means onthe member, and
 7. means between the threaded means and the extendedthreaded section to permit the extended section to be separated from thethreaded means after the closure ring is assembled.
 7. An end closureassembly as claimed in claim 2 including, a. a split closure ring meansdisposed about said heat shrinkable material, b. said closure ring meansincluding,
 8. An end closure assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein themeans for locking the closure ring means in assembled position includes,a. a first lug connected to the overlapping means, b. a second lugconnected medially along the main circumferential section to permitoperative connection thereof with the first lug, and c. a memberincluding threaded means disposed to connect the first and second lug toeach other.
 9. An end closure assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein, a.the member having threaded means includes,
 10. An end closure assemblyas claimed in claim 7 wherein said closure ring is hemi-hexagonal incross-section and includes; a. a center section, b. spaced side sectionsconnected to said center section, c. a first clamping section and asecond clamping section connected respectively to opposite side sectionsat points remote from the center section; d. said clamping sectionscrimped in assembled position, e. and means for locking said closurering means in assembled position.
 11. An end closure assembly as claimedin claim 10 wherein the means for locking the closure ring means inassembled position includes, a. a first lug connected to the overlappingmeans, b. a second lug connected medially along the main circumferentialsection to permit operative connection with the first lug, and c. amember having threaded means disposed to connect the first lug andsecond lug to each other.
 12. An end closure assembly as claimed inclaim 11 wherein, a. the member with threaded means thereon includes,13. An end closure assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein, a. saidoverlapping means is disposed to overlap the opposite end in assembledposition at least more than once, and b. the means for locking theclosure ring in assembled position consists of an adhesive connectingthe overlapping section to the main circumferential section.
 14. An endclosure assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein, a. the means forming theoverlapping section is relatively short, and b. the locking meansincludes a member disposed to fit about the overlapping portion of thering and to be crimped in assembled position, c. and perforated ears onsaid locking means to permit disassembly thereof for releasing theclosure ring from the locked position.
 15. A closing ring for use in anend closure assembly comprising, a. a split circumferential elementhaving a length sufficient to permit the opposed ends to overlap eachother, b. an outer section of said circumferential element having alength to permit the outer section to overlap the inner section of thecircumferential element in assembled position at least one entire turn,and c. an outer sealing means of heat shrinkable material havingadhesive means on one face disposed to engagement with the splitcircumferential element of the end closure assembly to detachablyconnect the overlapping section to the overlapped section of thecircumferential element.